Designing a Composting System
Designing a composting system isn’t as hard as you might think. There are several things to consider before choosing a system, however, so count on doing a little research and planning before making a decision. The type of compost material and the quantity should factor into your choice as well as the space you have available and whether your composting system needs to be pleasing to the eye or if it will be hidden from view by a fence or vegetation.
Although compost bins can be as small as 2x2x2 feet, the ideal size is between 3x3x3 feet and 5x5x5 feet unless a large scale system is required such as for handling animal manure. In that case, a width large enough to allow the entry of large equipment such as a tractor with an attached bucket and a depth of 6 – 8 feet is desirable. Your compost bin(s) can be located either in the sun or shade, but the moisture loss will be greater in a sunny spot.
When deciding on a composting system, keep in mind that the more the compost is turned, the hotter the temperature will be so the sooner the compost will be ready to use. Some systems are more labor intensive than others. All of them should allow for proper aeration for optimum composting conditions.
3 Different Types of Composting Systems
Let’s go over the three different types of composting systems that require a design and some construction.
1) A fixed single unit is usually made of blocks, bricks, or has a wood frame that’s anchored in the ground. Wire or wood can be used to attach to the wooden frame. Wood can be in the form of 2x4s, 2x6s, slats, and even landscape timbers. It’s best to use wood that’s treated or is naturally resistant to decay such as cedar or redwood. Options for blocking off one end of the bin include bamboo and branches which can be taken down as needed when turning or moving the compost.
2) Portable units such as those made out of wire or those that can be disassembled, can be moved next to the current location and the composting material forked or shoveled into the now empty bin in its new location. Materials that work well for this type of composting system are chicken or galvanized wire, hardware cloth, pallets, a wooden snow fence or any other material that is freestanding and either lightweight or easy to take apart and reassemble in a new location. A simple composter can even be made out of a large, plastic garbage can with holes drilled into it allow air to reach the contents.
3) Among all homemade composting systems, three fixed bins attached to each other in a row are the most efficient. They work especially well for manure or where a lot of material needs to be turned. The first bin is for newly added material, the second bin should be in the midst of composting and the third bin is for compost that’s ready to spread. The content of each bin is moved to the next one when it’s ready. For large amounts of compost material, the bins should be at least four feet high.
For all three types of compost systems, a tarp, wood or metal can be used as a cover to keep out rain, snow and animals. If a tarp is used, a couple of pieces of wood such as furring strips can be attached to the end of the tarp to add weight and make pulling the tarp back in place easier. Simply put the end of the tarp between the two pieces of wood and screw the wood together.
No matter which composting system you decide is right for you, the satisfaction you’ll receive from making your own rich compost for your garden by recycling table scraps and lawn clippings will be well worth the small expense and effort.
